Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
512. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education the reason there is no panel for SNA substitute teachers given that it is the process deemed necessary for mainstream substitute teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41700/21]
View answerThere are no plans to introduce a panel or central database of substitute SNAs to replace SNAs that are off work.
The recruitment and appointment of special needs assistants (SNAs) is a matter for the individual school authority. Department's Circulars 0026/2021 and 0051/2019 sets out the current minimum educational requirements for appointment as a Special Needs Assistant. When advertising for vacancies schools can create an internal panel of suitable applicants from which future vacancies including cover SNA vacancies may be filled valid for the duration of the school year.
